University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary master's combines coursework in behavioural theory, research design and quantitative and qualitative methods with applied practice. Core topics typically include:

• Foundations of behavioural theory — social cognition, learning theory, health behaviour change models and social determinants of behaviour.
• Research methods and statistics — study design, regression modelling, longitudinal analysis, causal inference and experimental methods.
• Programme design and evaluation — logic models, implementation science, process and outcome evaluation, and cost-effectiveness considerations.
• Qualitative methods — interview and focus group techniques, thematic analysis and mixed-methods integration.
• Data science for behavioural research — survey methods, psychometrics, data management and basic machine learning applications for social science data.
• Applied practicum or capstone — a placement with a public health department, community organisation or research lab to design, implement or evaluate a behaviour-focused project.
• Electives and seminars — options often let you focus on areas such as health behaviour, organisational behaviour, substance use, digital interventions or global health.

Students typically choose between a thesis route (research-focused) and a practicum/capstone route (practice-focused). Coursework emphasises hands-on analysis of real datasets and applied intervention design.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in psychology, public health, sociology, economics, statistics or a related discipline. Typical admissions criteria include:

• Academic record — a strong undergraduate GPA and evidence of quantitative coursework or research experience.
• Research or applied experience — internships, research assistantships, relevant employment or volunteering that demonstrate engagement with behaviour-related work.
• Supporting documents — a personal statement describing academic and career goals, a CV, and two or three letters of recommendation.
• Test scores — some applicants may submit GRE scores when available or required; check the programme for current policy. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by approved tests unless exempt.

Admissions committees look for quantitative aptitude, clarity of research or applied interests, and fit with faculty and practicum opportunities. Applicants from non-traditional backgrounds who can demonstrate relevant skills and motivation are encouraged to apply.

Career prospects

Graduates from behavioural sciences master’s programmes at UNC go on to work across sectors where an understanding of human behaviour is essential. Common roles include:

• Research assistant or study coordinator in academic, government or non-profit research centres
• Programme designer, evaluator or implementation specialist for public health agencies and NGOs
• Policy analyst or advisor focusing on behaviourally informed policy and regulation
• Data analyst or user-experience researcher applying behavioural methods to product and service design
• Health communication specialist and campaign manager
• Further academic training (PhD) in psychology, public health, behavioural economics or related fields

The programme’s emphasis on methodological rigour and applied placements helps graduates demonstrate both technical skills and experience working with stakeholders, which employers value in research and practice roles.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC–Chapel Hill offers strong interdisciplinary resources valuable to behavioural scientists. Faculty across the Department of Psychology, the Gillings School of Global Public Health and affiliated centres undertake applied and theoretical research in behaviour, health and policy. Students benefit from collaboration opportunities with the Carolina Population Center, public health departments across North Carolina and community health organisations for practicum placements.

Programmes at UNC emphasise methodological training, access to diverse applied projects and mentorship from faculty who publish in behaviour-related fields. The campus environment and regional public health infrastructure provide a range of settings for internships and research, from community-based initiatives to large-scale population studies.

For applicants seeking a blend of rigorous methods training and applied experience in behaviour change and evaluation, UNC provides the institutional networks and practical opportunities to prepare for careers in research, public health, policy and related sectors.